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Banana River Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 330 Google reviews · Running trail in Cape Canaveral, Florida · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Banana River Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
A fishing platform & a kayak launch are available at this large, public waterfront park.
What runners say about Banana River Park
“The day I visited it was not busy and was clean.”
“It's a beautiful area, has mangroves, the bird Island and so much room to paddle around or just float.”
“One of these parks is the Banana River Park on the peaceful Indian River Lagoon with views of cruise ships and very close to another gem, Manatee Sanctuary Park.”
A nice park to the north of Manatee Sanctuary Park If you liked Manatee Sanctuary Park, just keep going north like 3-4 minutes by car (or a little longer if you’re walking) and you can find Banana River Park. It is basically the next little spot up the road on the same side of the river.
Great place. Kayak launch could use improvement though. I saw a turtle and an airplane while visiting The airplane was many miles away and has nothing to do with the face but I just thought it was quite nifty because it looks like a clown chair
Nice park and kayak ramp. Park has a covered boardwalk along the water.. Sometimes manitee sitings..
Pretty little spot, not to distant from the Manatee sanctuary. Nice playground and rest areas. Photo of a little grotto that you can walk down to get a clearer view of the water.
Trail conditions & character
“One of these parks is the Banana River Park on the peaceful Indian River Lagoon with views of cruise ships and very close to another gem, Manatee Sanctuary Park.”
“There is structure at the south end in front of the parking lot with bathrooms and a few tables that is open on 3 sides facing teh water and the park.”
“One of these parks is the Banana River Park on the peaceful Indian River Lagoon with views of cruise ships and very close to another gem, Manatee Sanctuary Park.”
“So if you’re in the mood for a longer walk or that covered boardwalk vibe, stick with Manatee Sanctuary.”
“While there are signs that say "Animals/Pets Prohibited," the sign also say that dogs are permitted on short leash under the control of the handler.”
“There is structure at the south end in front of the parking lot with bathrooms and a few tables that is open on 3 sides facing teh water and the park.”
Plan your run at Banana River Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitecityofcapecanaveral.org
- Phone(321) 868-1220
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Cape Canaveral
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Manatee Sanctuary Park
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This waterfront resource offers exercise stations, a boardwalk, picnic facilities & horseshoe pits.
Cape Canaveral Community Park
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Shepard Park
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Sidney Fischer Park
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Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary
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